Shouting Into Space

I just finished watching the first four episodes of Texhnolyze, an anime from the creators and producers that brought us Hellsing, Haibane Renmei. I am pretty impressed with the series so far.

There are 19 episodes in the series which span 5 DVDs. Average length for most anime series these days but this series is thick with story. It may be a bit hard to get into for the uninitiated. The art is absolutely beautiful but the first couple episodes have hardly any dialogue (or monologues for that case). Continue reading "Texhnolyze - Inhumane & Beautiful"

I had the misfortune of watching Open Water on DVD tonight. I have never been more disappointed with a movie than I was after watching Open Water. >:-o

The premise of the movie (based on a true story) is that a couple goes out on a scuba diving trip. When the operators of the scuba company's boat are getting ready to head back in, they accidentally miscount the passengers and leave the couple in the middle of the ocean. The premise is spooky and sets up a good "desperation" movie. Continue reading "Open Water"

RPGs are great. I've played all the Final Fantasy games from FFVI to present (FFXI). I am starting to get bored with FFXI (as detailed in another entry of mine) though and I have been looking for a reprieve for some time.

I generally only play one game at a time because I never really have much time to play so I have been looking for a "replacement" for FFXI. I thought I'd have to wait for FFXII in the spring of 2005 but surprisingly, I found something to hold me over; Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

This is a really cool game. You play as a demon in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo (it starts out in Shinjuku - see Demon City Shinjuku. To power-up, you fight demons (or recruit them), get demonic parasites and ingest them. What is cooler than that? The soundtrack is also pretty cool.

So it sounds kinda simple right? Well, consider this: the "official" strategy guide (handbook) is 400 pages of mostly text (it's light on graphics). This is a complex (and turning out to be) engaging game. I am really enjoying it.

Check it out if you like the macabre (and the concept of death and rebirth).

I love TiVo! I love it so much I tell everyone about it. This Christmas my brother and his girlfriend asked for a TiVo. I got together my other brother, sister and girlfriend to each chip in $50 for it. That made $100 and since there was a special on 40hr TiVo Boxes ($199 - $100 rebate = $99), it was the perfect time get it.

Well, it seems alot of other people thought the same thing. Yesterday (Christmas) someone logging into TiVo.com got a little "too much traffic" message. Looks like TiVo was a big hit this Christmas! Makes me happy. I bought the "life of the box" service for $299 so I want TiVo to be around for a long time.

I hope that all those new TiVo users don't get turned off by the delay in registering their boxes. TiVo is a very responsive company and they had the issue resolved almost as soon as it happened. I'm sure those new users will forget all about the momentary issue when the start pausing live TV, hitting instant replays, and watching their favorites anytime they want instead of only when they are on!

Long live TiVo

Just a note to wish everyone a Merry Christmas (whether you are Christian or not). I am Buddhist but that doesn't mean I can't wish you a Merry Christmas or that you can't have one.

Merry Christmas!